Whistleblower complaints can be uncomfortable. They often raise questions about leadership, culture, or internal controls—and can involve sensitive or high-stakes issues like fraud, harassment, discrimination, or regulatory violations. But how your company handles whistleblower complaints says a lot about its values—and has real legal and reputational consequences.

Internal investigations are one of the most powerful tools companies have to detect, address, and remediate potential misconduct. But they also come with legal risks—especially when it comes to protecting privileged communications.

One of the most powerful tools in a company’s compliance and risk management arsenal is the internal investigation. Handled well, an internal investigation can uncover the facts, preserve trust, mitigate liability, and help the organization move forward. Handled poorly—or delayed too long—it can create legal exposure, reputational damage, and regulatory scrutiny.